I want to grab a copy of this in the original language. I found the translations a bit off - the use of phrases such as 'OK' and 'show' in any sense other than 'to demonstrate' jarring, and I'm sceptical that some translations are errors. I do speak Spanish, and I've had experience of translating so I'm not coming at this from a point of view of ignorance. Some of the constructions seem naive, and I do wonder if the translators went with entirely what was there and not the sense. If it were an English language novel, I'd say it needed editing again.

That being said, this is a marvellous story. Something of a Spanish Les Liaisons Dangereuses. As a historical novel (and, no, I haven't seen the Netflix version but I'm going to now) it works a treat, and even with no knowledge of the Spanish War of Succession, it is understandable and the narrative flows, with no fewer than ten different points of view. Every now and then, one slips, so, again, I'd like to see the original text.

But it is worth the read and is completely satisfying. as a story of a man nearly crushed by adversity who rises once again. The title is a tiny bit misleading, it is about more than a mere cook. So, try it. The Spanish names are a joy and the characters are nuanced and fallible, if possibly lost a touch in translation. But you can't stop thinking about them, nonetheless.

This is quite the book, in length and in story-telling. It is interesting and I enjoyed the historical aspect of it and the setting in Spain, France and London in the 17th century. It is what I would call an epic read and it did take me a while to get through it all but I am glad I did as I quite enjoyed it.

It is mysterious, there is romance, there are good and bad people, there is food! I do love food. And it is a fun and entertaining history lesson as such. I really enjoyed it and found the writing was easy to follow. A great but long book and one most historical fictions lovers would enjoy. You just have to make the time for it!

Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I specifically requested this book as I had really enjoyed the series on Netflix. It is quite a long story with many characters but once I got into the rhythm of the story I was hooked. Adorable the story of the Clara, the cook and the Duke of Castamar. Plus all the other intrigue that goes on.

This epic story is set in 18th-Century Spain and begins when Clara arrives at a grand house to start her new position as an assistant to the cook. Born into a noble family, but having fallen on hard times, Clara quickly impresses (or infuriates) those around her, eventually coming to the attention of her employer, the Duke of Castamar, who lives a relatively quiet life following the death of his wife some years earlier.

We follow the story of Clara and the Duke as their relationship develops in relative secrecy, alongside many other subplots which include the Duke’s family, friends and enemies. To say more about the subplots may risk spoilers, but all of the storylines are intriguing, and the characters are wonderful!

This is not a period of history that I know much about, but the author’s skill in establishing the sense of time and place was phenomenal, and each of the characters sang off the page. This is perfect for any fans of historical fiction!

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

I really liked the sound of this - it was giving Downton Abbey vibes, but unfortunately I just want the biggest fan of the writing style.

This isn’t just the story of Clara, a woman who has fallen from society and now works in the kitchen at the magnificent Castamar. This is also the story of a woman’s role in society, of class and the divisions of race. It’s a story of tragedy juxtaposed with moments of hope and moments of evil pitted against moments of good.
This read like a sweeping epic, and at just over 600 pages, it kind of is. It does feel long but not a slow, plodding long; a long where we get to meet the characters, understand their connections to each other and discover more about them. All the while, the plot thickens with treachery, politics and greed, pierced by moments or romance and sincerity.

For me this book had elements of Daphne du Maurier; a young woman arriving into the arms of a handsome widower, living in the shadow of a long gone enigmatic other woman, and understanding her place and defining her own role. It’s not quite as gothic or atmospheric as Du Maurier; but it reveals a lot about the expectation of women in the 1700s and a woman’s fight to be heard.

There’s a lot of strongly-written characters in this novel; from the grieving but chivalrous Duke of Castamar, Clara whose aerophobia disguises a tougher core, and the spine-chilling Don Enrique who comes close to one of the most villainous characters I have read in a while. Their stories all interweave meticulously in stories of romance and defiance.

The Spanish setting and life in 18th century Spain was fascinating. It’s set just after the Spanish Wars of Succession, a European conflict I knew very little about but now have more understanding of. Munez takes care to explain the conflict through each character who played a role in it, setting the context and educating the reader.

This book was an engrossing read that played with my emotions, and interwove different stories masterfully. The characters were fantastic, the plot exciting and intriguing, and the writing compelling. It's historical fiction that really stands out.

A 633 page entertaining historical novel taking us back to eighteenth century Madrid and the Castamar household headed by the widowed Duke. At the start of the novel we meet Clara who is about to take up work in the kitchen, having fallen on hard times. Clara has a fear of open spaces (a fact I seemed to forget regularly when reading this book) but within the intense atmosphere of a busy kitchen she thrives. That is, if she is allowed to, as the housekeeper Dona Ursula takes a dislike to her. For the first half of the book Clara feels like the main character but as the plot full of intrigue and manipulation develops others take precedence.
Central to all the skullduggery is an embittered Marquess who has befriended the Duke’s mother in order to wreak havoc and bring about the ruin of the family. The Duke has an adopted brother, Gabriel, who is black and was brought into the family by the previous Duke appalled by slavery. He fits in with the Castamars but the rest of society is not as accommodating which provides an interesting slant. There’s a number of other household staff and family friends who have their part to play as well as some low-lifes the Marquess uses to do his dirty work.
Translated from the 2019 Spanish publication by Rahul Bery and Tim Gutteridge this is highly readable. I felt initially it was going to be bogged down by kitchen preparation and lists of food as the plot is given time to build and when it does it is all rather effective. It does take a while to work out who is who with the third-person narration seeing things from a number of different characters’ perspectives. I did really enjoy it and its translation may be prompted by a 2019 twelve part adaptation which is now available on Netflix in the UK.
The Cook Of Castamar is published by Head Of Zeus in the UK on 5th January 2024. Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the advance review copy.

I found this to be an enthralling read. I particularly liked the character of Clara, she had expressed a set down in her social standing but was determined to make the best of her situation. It did help that she was a very talented cook and had been trained to deal with any occasion demanded of her in this field. There are many secrets and jockeying for position and power among the servants. The housekeeper was desperate to use any means at her disposal to keep her position. I was pleased Clara held her own but in a respectful way. The Duke of Castamar, Don Diego, had been a widower for a good number of years and now his mother was keen for him to remarry. There is plenty of scheming and secrets among the nobles as well. Some out for revenge. There is racial prejudice and undermining of women’s capabilities from some people. There is a romance or two and a happy ending for the main characters. These characters have stayed with me for some time after finishing the book. A great read that I would recommend. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is one of those books that I am glad that I read and also glad that I finished. I enjoyed the reading experience quite a bit, but for some reason it took a lot of reading and it felt longer than it actually was.

That may sound negative, but it really is not. It means that I wanted to read every single word and I must commend it for keeping my interest throughout, even if it was maybe a bit slow at times. That is not an easy thing to achieve.

I very much enjoyed the time period in which this was set and the descriptions of the setting, but the strong suit of this novel are the characters. They are masterfully written and even the characters you don’t necessarily like very much, you care about, or at least understand their reasoning. The author has a gift of making this cast of characters, all of them, fleshed out and real.

As I mentioned the novel does feel longwinded at times, but I have trouble pinpointing where it should have been curtailed. Perhaps that is a me-issue rather than the novel’s. In the end, it was a pleasure spending time with this novel and I would definitely read more from this author without hesitation.

Firstly, the cover of this book is simply stunning, huge credit to whoever designed it.

A great historical fiction novel, 18 century Spain and detailing the court of the Duke of Castamar, along with the new cook, Clara.

I felt as though the story transported me to the hot, steamy kitchens, amongst the dignitaries in the ballroom, so much so, I could have been there.

It’s quite a long book and one to enjoy when you have time, perfect for a holiday.

An excellent historical fiction according to my heart: romance, intrigue, action.. A vivid historical background and excellent storytelling.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Eighteenth century Spain is the time setting for this book.
It begins its story as Clara Belmonte is travelling to the prestigious and noble house of Castamar, to take up the new position of assistant cook.
Clara is agoraphobic, travelling underneath hay bales so she cannot see the outside environment. If she is faced with going outdoors she has to wear a blindfold. Clara’s agoraphobia started after a series of devastating things that happened to her family, resulting in a totally different lifestyle.
Clara’s passion for cooking is immense and the book is peppered throughout (excuse the pun) with various dishes and courses she is preparing and cooking.

I found this fictional historical novel to be a good read. I read this as an electronic version and it was just over eight thousand words, so on the longer side.
I was drawn to it because of it being set in Spain in 1720 and the following few years. and my interest in all things from Spain.
The book covers honour and principles, vice, jealousy where you fit in life, it has it all. It is violent and bloodthirsty in places with revenge a theme at times.
An interesting story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

Since the death of wife, Diego, the Duke of Castamar’s grief has been overwhelming. He no longer feels compelled to play the role of his family's royal council. Yet when his new cook, Clara arrives and takes over the Castamar kitchens, Diego cannot help but be drawn to her. After the death of her doctor father, Clara and her mother and sister must fend for themselves.
This book was very entertaining with many great attributes. The description of the food could have overwhelmed the story and yet there is so much going on, with plenty of villains plotting to bring down Diego, that it held my attention throughout. This is an epic story, told with all the splendour and vigour of the period, set in 18th century Spain.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Absolutely amazing,

"The Cook of Castamar" by Fernando J. Múñez has proven itself to be a delectable literary treat, blending historical drama, romance, and a rich tapestry of gastronomy that captivates the reader from the very first page.

Set in 18th-century Spain, the novel introduces us to the enigmatic Chef Hugo, whose troubled past and culinary genius have earned him a coveted position in the kitchens of the Duke of Castamar. As Hugo navigates the labyrinth of courtly intrigue, he forms an unlikely alliance with the withdrawn and grief-stricken Lady Amelia, creating a narrative that is both poignant and irresistible.

Múñez's writing is a feast for the senses, vividly describing the sumptuous dishes that emerge from Hugo's kitchen, each one more tantalizing than the last. The meticulous attention to historical detail transports readers to a bygone era, where the art of cooking is elevated to an exquisite form of expression. From opulent banquets to intimate meals, the gastronomic journey is as integral to the narrative as the characters themselves.

The character development in "The Cook of Castamar" is masterful, with Hugo and Lady Amelia emerging as complex individuals with layers of depth and nuance. Their relationship is delicately woven, evolving from a professional collaboration into a poignant love story that defies societal norms. The supporting cast is equally compelling, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the unfolding drama.

The novel's exploration of power dynamics, class distinctions, and the constraints of 18th-century Spanish society adds depth to the narrative. Múñez skillfully balances the romance with the darker aspects of the historical context, creating a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its ability to transport the reader to the heart of Castamar, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, the flavors of the era. Múñez's prose is evocative, conjuring images of opulent ballrooms, fragrant gardens, and, of course, the bustling kitchens where Hugo's culinary magic unfolds.

"The Cook of Castamar" is a literary triumph that seamlessly blends history, romance, and gastronomy into a compelling narrative. Múñez's ability to capture the essence of 18th-century Spain, coupled with his engaging characters and mouthwatering descriptions of food, makes this novel a must-read for anyone who appreciates a rich and immersive storytelling experience. Prepare to be transported to a world where passion simmers in both the kitchen and the heart, leaving readers hungry for more.

Multiple POVs, set in Spain in 1700s. Its full of information regarding history of the time and the region, very interesting. More of historical fiction than anything with its details.
An interesting read to be sure, but also nothing thoroughly gripping. Maybe due to the many points of views.

I loved reading The Cook of Castamar and immersing myself in its world! This book was a revelation! It described life 18th century Spain so vividly and I enjoyed reading about the intertwined lives of the characters, the intrigues, scandals, heartfelt moments and their struggles. For a book almost 700 pages long, time flew by while I was reading it as the story was fast paced. I also enjoyed that food is an integral part of the book! I can't wait to watch the Netflix series to see the glorious food described in the novel!

I also loved the beautiful cover that instantly reminded me of the beautiful tiled storefronts and restaurants I saw when I visited Madrid!

I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading historical fiction, multicultural themes and foodies.

Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

This book has everything for fan's of historical fiction - intrigue, plotting, romance and an insight in to the lives of nobility, their servants and the middle classes in 18th century Spain and it will make your mouth water with the food descriptions.

I am very much looking forward to the forthcoming Netflix series, I hope they do this book justice.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read The Cook of Castamar.

I don’t know if it’s the writing style, or just the way it’s been translated, but I found this book hard going; there was too much description of trivial things, and the language was a bit juvenile. I gave up part way through

Fabulous! I absolutely loved this story! It was so interesting to learn about the 15th Century Spanish nobility. The Duke of Castamar and Clara had integrity as people, but I also loved Gabriel’s character and how difficult it was to achieve acceptance as a Black man even within the nobility. The many intrigues of the Court reminded me of Dangerous Liaisons in several ways. This was an entertaining and engrossing read. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

I can understand why this book has already been made in to a Netflix mini-series. It is a great, old-fashioned, sprawling, historical epic set in the Spain of 300 years ago. The Duke of Castamar (Diego) is a Spanish Grandee, the highest level of noble, a regular at court and friend to the King and Queen. His new cook (Clara) is the impoverished daughter of a well-loved doctor who, unfortunately, died in the recent civil war.

The book is full of intrigue, heroes and villains, love and hate, gruesome deaths and wonderful feasts. It centres mainly around Diego, his friends and family, since Clara's sister and mother both now live abroad. The constraints of society in 1720's Spain are a key element of the book, which includes characters from all levels; whore to King.

This book is a must-read for all lovers of historical fiction. It is great that it has been translated in to English.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.